13345 Mack Avenue
Norm’s Standard Service, Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church
Whenever I research old service stations, I always struggle. For decades, these small gas stations were mom-and-pop type stores, often run by one or two people. I’d estimate this one was constructed in the 1930s, but I’m not certain.
By 1943, the structure was Norm’s Standard Service. I haven’t found anything else about Norm, though I imagine business might have been okay, considering how much development was ongoing in the 1940s.
I believe that the structure was added onto in 1968. I’m unsure if that’s the addition you see here or some other kind of work, but something was done to the structure around that time. Considering most of the front building looks original, I’d imagine it was to the back portion.
In 1976, Don Cherry Real Estate was occupying the building. The company may have been responsible for converting it from a service station, but I can’t be certain.
In 1989, Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church was founded by Reverend Joseph C. Haynes. I’m not certain when the congregation moved into the structure pictured here; however, they’ve been there for at least a decade and a half.
By 2006, Donald Shaw was handling paperwork for the church. Today, Eileen C. Mitchell is the resident agent, and Shaw remains on the board of directors.
I haven’t noticed anyone at this church in a few years, though I know that it was still in use in some capacity in July 2021, thanks to a Facebook video from Dr. Cornelia Isaac. I’m not certain what Dr. Isaac’s relation to the church is, but I’m desperate to know what it looks like inside.
When researching this building, I have more questions than answers. How many people can comfortably fit inside? Are the storage tanks still underground here? Why did a church move into an old service station, anyway?
This is the second service station I’ve documented that eventually became a church; the first is at 4132 Chene Street.
Seriously, this thing looks so interesting!
